Manchester Terrier - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Origin
The Manchester Terrier was originally developed in the 19th century to hunt down vermin, especially rats. Their ancestors are the oldest known terriers – the Black and Tan Terriers, which they closely resemble. They were crossed with Whippets and you can also find Dachshunds and Italian Greyhounds in their bloodline.

2) Two versions
It depends where are you located, there can be two or one variety of Manchester Terrier. In the USA, you can find the toy and standard variety of this breed, but if you are from for example Great Britain, there is only one variety classified as the Manchester Terrier. The second, toy version, is registered as different breed – the English Toy Terrier.

3) Almost extinct
Just like many other breeds, even the Manchester Terrier breed suffered a lot during the second world war. When the war ended, there was only 11 registered Manchester Terriers in the Kennel club. Luckily, the Brittish Manchester Terrier club managed to save the breed, even though they are still listed as vulnerable.

4) True Terriers
Spirited, alert, very active dog with higher prey drive. That is how you could describe a typical terrier and the Manchester Terrier is definitely one. On the other hand, they are probably more responsive and better mannered, without big stubborn streaks, just like some other terriers. This makes them little bit easier to train.

5) Family dog

Manchester Terrier is affectionate and friendly towards their owners and family, but they do not tolerate rough handling, which is the reason i would not leave them alone with young kids. It is also not the best idea to leave them alone with some smaller pets, like hamsters, since they were developed as vermin hunter and they still have it in them. Other than that, this is very loyal and loving breed and if you will provide them with enough exercise, they will make excellent family dogs.

6) Royal Rat Catcher

Probably the most famous Manchester Terrier of all time is the Jack Black, also known as Royal Rat Catcher. He lived in 19th century in London and his rat catching abilities were very useful. The stories about Jack Blacks skill spread all over the London very quickly. And even today, the other generations of the Manchester Terrier are still amazing rat catchers, even though, they are not used for this purpose that often anymore.

7) Exercise

It is important to stimulate both, mind and body of Manchester Terrier. Couple of daily longer walks are must to keep the dog happy and healthy. But do not let them offleash in unkwnon areas, because of their hunting instincts.

8) Bad habits

Just like almost every other terriers, you should expect some barking and digging. It is very hard task to teach them not do it, since they just love it. But with patient and consistent training it is possible to minimize it. But again, the best way how to minimize these bad habits is to exhaust the dog. Exhausted dog equals good dog.

9) Size

The Standard version of Manchester Terrier is typically between 15-16 inches tall, which is 38-40 cms and their weight is between 12-22 pounds, which is 5-10 kgs. If the dog is lighter than 12 pounds, than it is recognized as the toy version.

10) Health

The Manchester Terrier is quite healthy breed with average lifespan between 13-15 years. Just like very other dog breed, they do suffer from some health issues, most commonly from glaucoma, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and von Willebrands disease.